Having unprotected sex

Illustration: Kamil Paszkiewicz

After going out with your partner for a while you both decide that it’s time to have sex for the first time. You decide that if you are going to have sex you should do it in a planned way so that it is special and so you don’t make any of the mistakes people often make with first time sex. On the evening when it’s going to happen you both set out your room with soft music, candles, a couple of bottles of wine and condoms. Unfortunately you underestimate the effect the wine has on you both and end up having sex without the condoms. The next morning you realise what has happened and worry if everything is going to be OK.

What do you do next?

Decide that it happened so there is no point worrying about it as it was just the once

Go to your local pharmacy for advice

Visit your nearest sexual health clinic

Read on to find out which of these options you should or shouldn’t take….

Decide that it happened so there is no point worrying about it as it was just the once

Once is all it takes!!!! You are still at risk of an unwanted pregnancy and/or an even more unwanted sexually transmitted infection so ignoring it won’t make the problem go away. If you are female you need emergency contraception and an STI check-up. If you are male you need an STI check up.

Go to your local pharmacy for advice

If you are female will need emergency contraception A.S.A.P. so your local pharmacy is a good place to get emergency contraception (Often called “The morning after pill”) quickly. You can also get the pill from your doctor or sexual health clinic. Don’t put off getting emergency contraception as it has to be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.

You and your partner will still need an STI check-up from your doctor or sexual health clinic.

Visit your nearest sexual health clinic

This is probably the best option because you can get everything in one place…. Emergency contraception and an STI check. Sexual health clinics also have other options for emergency contraception even after 5 days after having unprotected sex.